Jaspal
Singh Vs. State of Punjab [1998] INSC 483 (24 September 1998)
G.T.
Nanavati, S.P. Kurdukar Nanavati, J.
ACT:
HEADNOTE:
The
Appellant has been convicted under Section 25 of the Arms Act and Section 5 of
the TADA Act as he was found in possession of one DBBL gun .12 bore and five
live cartridges on 17/18.3.1992. The trail court relying upon the evidence of
ASI Balbir Singh and P.W. 4 - Man Singh - who were the members of the Police
party held that it was proved by the prosecution that the appellant was in
possession of those articles. The trial court further held that as the gun was
found loaded, it can be presumed that it was in working order. Taking this
view, it convicted the appellant, as stated above.
Admittedly,
no evidence was led by the prosecution to prove that the gun was in working
condition and that the cartridges which were found from the person of the
appellant were live cartridges. Neither ASI - Balbir Singh had stated so nor any
report from an expert was obtained to establish that the gun was in working
condition and that five cartridge were live. What was found in the gun were two
empties and not live cartridges and, therefore, it was not proper to presume
that it was in working condition. In absence of any evidence to that effect,
the conviction of the appellant under both these aforesaid Section cannot be
upheld. We, therefore, allow this appeal, set aside the judgment and order
passed by the Additional Judge, Designated Court, Sangrur, in Special Sessions Case No. 55/92 and acquit the
appellant. He is ordered to be released forthwith if his presence is not
required in jail in connection with some other case.
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